Laser Resurfacing and Remodeling of Hypertrophic Burn Scars
Based on the results of both our short-term findings from 2011, with follow-up data from 2013, we conclude that laser- and light-based therapies can be combined safely to treat hypertrophic burn scars; accelerate the maturation and remodeling of symptomatic burn scars; and improve quality of life by decreasing the pruritus, neuropathic pain, stiffness, and thickness associated with these scars. Laser therapies may not only enhance traditional modalities of compression garments, silicone sheeting, deep massage, and moisturizing agents, but these emerging technologies may disrupt current algorithms and reset our expectations of what we can achieve, in terms of restoring form and function in burn patients. At the very least, laser- and light-based therapies complement existing approaches of surgical, occupational, and physical therapy, yielding incremental gains. Emerging and future laser technologies, combined with structural fat grafting, stem cell delivery, and topical administration of drugs, may create a new paradigm in the management of hypertrophic burn scars. Instead of removing or replacing scar, we may achieve better results by rehabilitating the scar that nature has left behind.
Conclusions
Based on the results of both our short-term findings from 2011, with follow-up data from 2013, we conclude that laser- and light-based therapies can be combined safely to treat hypertrophic burn scars; accelerate the maturation and remodeling of symptomatic burn scars; and improve quality of life by decreasing the pruritus, neuropathic pain, stiffness, and thickness associated with these scars. Laser therapies may not only enhance traditional modalities of compression garments, silicone sheeting, deep massage, and moisturizing agents, but these emerging technologies may disrupt current algorithms and reset our expectations of what we can achieve, in terms of restoring form and function in burn patients. At the very least, laser- and light-based therapies complement existing approaches of surgical, occupational, and physical therapy, yielding incremental gains. Emerging and future laser technologies, combined with structural fat grafting, stem cell delivery, and topical administration of drugs, may create a new paradigm in the management of hypertrophic burn scars. Instead of removing or replacing scar, we may achieve better results by rehabilitating the scar that nature has left behind.
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